WINDOW ROCK
A decisive statement has emerged from the voters of District 6.
In a thrilling electoral showdown, Arbin Mitchell—an established figure within tribal governance, who has stood alongside various Navajo Nation presidents as chief of staff and division director—has, by all unofficial counts, emerged victorious by a margin of 653 votes, as reported by the Navajo Nation Election Administration.
This special election unfolded on a Tuesday amidst the vibrant communities of Klagetoh, Wide Ruins, Nahat’á Dziil, Houck, and Tsé Si’ánÃ. This crucial electoral event was spurred by the resignation of Lomardo Aseret, who had stepped away in September to dedicate himself to family responsibilities.
Courtesy | Navajo Election Administration
The names of the District 6 candidates for the 25th Navajo Nation Council are shown on a sample ballot.
Mitchell demonstrated an impressive grasp of voter sentiment, securing a commendable lead across all five chapters against his rivals. Trailing him was Raymond Smith Jr. with 305 votes, and Olin C. Begay, who managed to gather 273 votes in total.
Here’s how the votes broke down chapter by chapter:
- Houck: Mitchell (135), Smith Jr. (120), Begay (57)
- Klagetoh: Mitchell (69), Smith Jr. (23), Begay (84)
- Nahat’á Dziil: Mitchell (179), Smith Jr. (68), Begay (61)
- Tsé Si’ánÃ: Mitchell (108), Smith Jr. (68), Begay (33)
- Wide Ruins: Mitchell (162), Smith Jr. (26), Begay (38)
With 1,231 votes cast, the turnout clearly illustrated the community’s deep investment in selecting a leader for this two-year term. Though the final results await certification, a confirmation would propel Mitchell into the role of District 6’s Council delegate, where he will represent the five chapters in the 25th Navajo Nation Council.
Aseret, the outgoing delegate since 2020, emphasized his desire to embrace family time as the motivation behind his resignation, paving the way for a race imbued with palpable tension and significant stakes.
As per the Nation’s electoral protocols, the Navajo Nation Election Administration will soon embark on the certification of the results, following a meticulous verification process.
In the broader context, a total of 37 chapters convened special elections, responding to the disqualification of 192 candidates at the chapter level back in August.
